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Residential Land Soon To Be Released

Over 11 hectares of new residential land in Wonthaggi should soon be approved by the Minister for Planning.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 3rd August 2009 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Planning and Environment Director, Hannah Duncan-Jones, said amendments created as part of the Wonthaggi Dalyston Structure Plan, would result in an eight year supply of residential land.

"Both amendments C94 and C102, which relate to Wentworth Road and South Dudley Road have been certified by the Secretary for Planning. The next step is to seek Ministerial approval, which we have done," explained Ms Duncan-Jones.

"These two amendments could create over 100 residential lots depending on what the developers propose.

"The Wentworth Road site has a planning application in for 64 lots, however no further action can be taken on this application until the Minister has approved the amendment.

"Unfortunately we haven’t had any indication of when this approval might come through. In the past this has taken anywhere up to three months," said Ms Duncan-Jones.

The two amendments rezone the land to Residential One, allowing standard residential development. The South Dudley Road site is to be protected via a vegetation protection overlay. This means that any vegetation on the site that is considered significant will be protected.

"We have also been working through some commercial amendments in the Biggs Drive/Big W area," said Ms Duncan-Jones.

"A report at the July Council Meeting recommended that Council seek approval from the Minister for Planning to increase the trading space at the Big W complex from approximately 6,000 square metres to almost 9,000 square metres."

Ms Duncan-Jones confirmed that the site across the road from Big W was rezoned earlier in 2009 to allow for commercial development.

"The rezoning in 2009 means that a business could be erected on that site, but Council has not received a planning application for any development on this land," continued Ms Duncan Jones.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Coalition moves to block Labor's carbon credit forestry plan, warning of regional job losses and land lock-ups
  The Coalition will seek to block Labor's carbon credit forestry policy, arguing it threatens native timber industries, regional jobs, agricultural land, timber supply and long-term economic sustainability.
• New worker accommodation helps Riviera Fresh expand production, attract staff and support regional growth statewide
  Two new worker houses funded through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund will help Riviera Fresh attract staff, expand production, ease labour shortages and support Gippsland's growing fresh produce industry.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• New coastal rail trail links Woolamai to Inverloch with spectacular Bass Coast cycling adventure experiences
  The new 14km Wonthaggi–Inverloch Trail extends Victoria's only coastal rail trail to 37km, connecting four towns through stunning coastline, heritage sites, beaches, cafes and countryside for an unforgettable cycling adventure.
• New Great Southern Rail Trail attractions boost tourism, events and visitor experiences through Koonwarra and beyond
  New attractions, signage, public art, and a running festival along the Great Southern Rail Trail aim to boost tourism, support local businesses, and enhance visitor experiences across South Gippsland.
• New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland.
• Newhaven residents invited to shape safer roads, transport and future traffic planning through community feedback until 27 May 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking Newhaven community feedback on transport and road safety to inform a Local Area Traffic Management Plan improving movement, safety, infrastructure planning and future funding priorities.
• New Newborough CFA station opens, giving volunteers modern facilities to strengthen emergency response and community safety
  Newborough CFA volunteers have moved into a new purpose-built station featuring improved facilities, supporting emergency response as the town grows through the Victorian government's emergency services investment.
• New Choose Tap fountain brings free drinking water to Meeniyan through community partnership and sustainability initiative
  A new Choose Tap drinking fountain has opened in Meeniyan, providing free water, encouraging reusable bottles and reducing plastic waste through a community partnership.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• New Traralgon five-storey car park opens, delivering 442 free spaces and boosting local access
  Traralgon's new five-storey Kay Street car park has opened, providing 442 free spaces, easing congestion, supporting local businesses, and expanding parking across Latrobe City.
• New oval lighting boosts Buln Buln Recreation Reserve for sport, training and year-round community participation
  Buln Buln Recreation Reserve has new LED oval lighting, funded through a $250,000 Victorian government investment, improving safety, extending training opportunities and supporting year-round sport, recreation and community participation.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new 'Dogs in Public Places Guidelines for 2026–2029' across municipality
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Dogs in Public Places Guidelines 2026–2029, establishing evidence-based rules for dog access on council land while balancing recreation, community safety, and environmental protection.
• Tim Bull claims Environment Minister misled contractors, as DEECA contracts may reduce existing external panel work
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor Government of cutting fire mitigation work for contractors, misleading them on funding, and failing to maintain promised work volumes across East Gippsland.
• Darren Chester welcomes new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility and inclusion
  Federal Member Darren Chester welcomed the new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility, inclusion, and community participation, supported by local business and the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Grant.
• Mallacoota’s new purpose-built Respite Care Centre opens, providing local residents high-quality recovery support close to home
  The new Mallacoota Respite Care Centre provides local residents with high-quality, home-like recovery support, keeping them connected to the community while enhancing safety and healthcare services for years to come.
• Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
  Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers.
• Darren Chester welcomes safer Kalimna to Lakes Entrance walking path upgrade completed before Christmas period
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says thousands are enjoying the upgraded Kalimna-Lakes Entrance walking path, with new asphalt, safety barriers and intersection improvements completed before Christmas for locals and visitors.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Local builder awarded contract for next stage of WORLD Sporting Precinct soccer redevelopment in Bairnsdale project
  East Gippsland Shire Council has awarded Brooker Builders the contract to deliver new soccer facilities at WORLD Sporting Precinct, creating a modern regional home for the sport.
• Labor opens new junior school facilities at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Drouin campus
  The Allan Labor government opened new junior school facilities at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Drouin Campus following a $9.1 million investment supporting modern learning spaces, staff amenities and improved facilities for students.
• Tim Bull questions rising school toilet refurbishment costs and seeks explanation from Education Minister
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has questioned the Education Minister over rising school toilet block refurbishment costs, calling for explanations on significant recent cost increases.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Labor announces four new regional early learning centres for 2029, expanding access to kindergarten and long daycare places
  Labor will open four new Early Learning Victoria centres in Alexandra, Drouin, Hamilton and Seymour from 2029, providing more than 400 childcare and kindergarten places across regional Victoria.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Baw Baw Shire introduces new e-waste units in Warragul and Drouin, funded by Victoria, enabling safe disposal of batteries and electronics
  Baw Baw Shire introduces new e-waste drop-off units in Warragul and Drouin, improving safe battery and electronics recycling for the community.
• Baw Baw Council launches new emergency dashboard providing reliable, centralised local updates before, during and after emergencies
  Baw Baw Council has launched a new Emergency Dashboard, providing residents with a single, reliable platform for real-time updates, warnings, and essential information before, during, and after emergencies on all devices.
• Baw Baw Shire to gain two new kindergartens located at the Neerim South Primary School and Warragul Regional College opening in 2028
  Baw Baw Shire will gain two new kindergartens at Neerim South and Warragul, opening in 2028, easing local demand and supporting families as part of the State’s Best Start reforms.
• Bass Coast jobs and careers expos return to connect job seekers and employers at Wonthaggi Town Hall on 6 August and Berninneit on 11 September 2026
  Bass Coast Local Jobs and Careers Expos return to Wonthaggi and Phillip Island, connecting job seekers with employers, training providers and support services while showcasing local vacancies, career pathways and business opportunities.
• Bellbird Park to receive new raised pedestrian crossing improving safety and accessibility for Drouin’s busy sporting precinct
  Bellbird Park sports precinct in Drouin will receive a new raised pedestrian crossing improving safety, visibility, and accessibility for all users.
• Craig Watts Park playground renewal completed in Neerim South community upgrade
  Baw Baw Shire Council has completed the Craig Watts Park playground renewal in Neerim South, incorporating community and student feedback, with new equipment, safety upgrades, landscaping, and the slide arriving later.
• Bass Coast Council trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents
  Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents.
• Darren Chester celebrates Lakes Entrance musician Dr Megan Burslem advancing classical music nationally via ABC
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised Lakes Entrance-born musician Dr Megan Burslem for promoting classical music nationally through ABC Classic, ABC TV, and her new series, Front Row.
• Official opening of the new flood-proof Traralgon Recreation Reserve Multiuse Pavilion on 17 April 2026
  Traralgon Recreation Reserve’s new flood recovery pavilion opens April 17, featuring modern sports facilities, funded by federal, state and council partnerships, restoring community infrastructure damaged in 2021 floods.
• Baw Baw Shire Council adopts new Customer Service Charter and Complaints Handling Policy to improve community experience
  Baw Baw Shire Council adopted a new Customer Service Charter and Complaints Handling Policy to improve responsiveness, transparency and accountability, following community consultation and supporting future customer experience improvements.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Baw Baw Shire Council adopts new public and civic art policies to guide future stewardship
  Baw Baw Shire has adopted new Public Art and Civic Art Collection policies to guide stewardship, expand public access and preserve more than 320 artworks for community enjoyment.